DIRECTOR: Frank Darabont
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Cromwell, Patricia Clarkson, Bonnie Hunt, David Morse, Barry Pepper, Sam Rockwell, Dabbs Greer,Graham Greene, Jeffrey DeMunn, Gary Sinise and Harry Dean Stanton
PLOT: Reflecting on his life as a death row officer, Paul Edgecomb (Hanks) and his crew spend their time overseeing the inmates on "the green mile" until one day large apparent child killer John Coffey (Duncan) is placed under their care, and changes their lives forever.
The second directorial/writing effort from Frank Darabont is another prison drama based on a work by Stephen King, but those expected another triumph of the human spirit/friendship story will be left wanting. What Darabont instead has crafted in a visual poem, a fairytale based on one of the more epic works by the King of Maine.
The story begins with the brilliant Dabbs Greer (in his final role) crying at the film Top Hat. We then move all the way back 1935 and to the death row block of the younger Paul Edgecomb (Hanks) and his subordinates, Brutal (Morse), Stanton (Pepper), Harry (DeMunn) and the malicious Wetmore (Doug Hutchison). Their days are slow and the film takes it's time to introduce the characters, and the inmates Bitterbuck (Greene), Del (Michael Jeter) and later Coffey (Duncan) and Wild Bill (Rockwell)
The allstar cast is rounded off by Bonnie Hunt as Hanks' wife, James Cromwell as the Warden, Patricia Clarkson as his wife and Gary Sinise as Edgecomb's doctor. With this many actors there might be the chance that some would be overlooked and yet the film's epic run time, it's leisurely pace and it's growing supernatural intent never once lets you think someone is there for star power, and everyone gets their moment to perform.
For Hanks it's his James Stewart-like everyman that he does so well. The film is his, and yet being the actor's actor he is, he never attempt to overact when someone else gets their moment. While Hanks is the pulling power, it's Academy Award Nominated Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey that makes the film. His gentle giant performance is a career best, and his manner and way of speaking is nothing if not devastatingly likable.
As for the other actors, Hunt and Cromwell lead the pack acting with ease, and Sinise in just one scene of the film, delivers a monologue about putting a dog down for biting his daughter with the message at the heart: it only takes once, leaves chills down the spine.
Thomas Newman's score is as good as it ever is, after the hopeful score of The Shawshank Redemption this time him and Darabont craft a tale that has a score so haunting, and so melodic that certain scenes become too much to bear without shedding tears. If the supernatural element puts people off then their fools, since the film is about faith, compassion and love more than it is about creepy magical goings on.
It might not be to everyone's taste, and it is a film of character and mood instead of action and plot, but it's a beautiful film, cementing Darabont as a brilliant talent.
DIRECTOR: John Madden
STARRING: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Tina Desai, Lillette Dubey, Tamsin Greig, Penelope Wilton, David Strathairn and Richard Gere.
PLOT: As Sonny (Patel) tries to expand the over stuffed Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the people who take residence there continue their goings on, as his engagement, draws to the inevitable marriage.
The least likely film to get a sequel ever, spawns the feel good film for Mother's Day. As the cream of British acting (and Richard Gere) show up for their own little romantic subplot. What it amounts to is Slumdog Millionaire meets Love, Actually. How wonderful then that what could have been a cash in clusterfuck and just more British lovies making sex jokes is actually a joyous celebration of life, love, and all the unfortunate moment in-between.
Front of the pack is Dev Patel playing the overly optimistic Sonny, who juggles trying to expand his hotel into a chain, wooing a hotel inspector and not getting jealous over his fiance, Sunaina. His blind optimism mixed with melancholic stubbornness makes Patel an absolute joy to watch, from his work on Skins through to his star making role as a certain millionaire slumdog, Patel has proven himself to be worth even penny. His scenes are always a joy, and he makes for an engaging romantic lead, calling to mind the early work of a Hugh Grant-type.
Maggie Smith is also utterly enjoyable as Muriel Donnelly, the grisly co-manager of the hotel. Playing a more friendly version of her character in the first film, she is none the less charming as the more grumpy of the oldies. Knowing the route these films takes, it often leads to a revelation of some profound sentimentality, it might then be to Smith's credit that it never feels forced or irksome.
While Ronald Pickup's Norman Cousins, and Diana Hardcastle's Carol Parr are a joy as the sexually active couple who both have their own little doubts about their relationship, and Celia Imrie's Madge Hardcastle is torn between two lovers - yet if you can't see the inevitable end, then you're not trying hard enough.
The film's biggest issue comes from the first film's biggest issue, the ongoing saga of Evelyn Greenslade and Douglas Ainslie as played by Judi Dench and Bill Nighy is somewhat dull, though the idea of turning the young romcom tropes on their head and playing them to older people is enjoyable to watch, Nighy and Dench are lumbered with will they won't they boredom. Made all the worse by the re-introduction of the brilliant Penelope Wilton's Jean Ainslie who serves as the antagonist of the film. If this subplot seems tired, then their scenes may grate but there is such joy in seeing three aging performers do something that would normally be the remit of unappealing young sex studs.
While all these cogs turn, and the forced plot about a hotel inspector is both obvious and inevitable, the most appealing rom com of the year plays out without anyone realising in the form of Richard Gere's Guy Chambers and Lillette Dubey's Mrs Kapoor. While Gere has always been effortlessly charming, and in this film he is no different Dubey's brilliant performance brings personality to the first film's overbearing mother. Gere's chasing of her without ever coming across as creepy or predatory, is the film's heart and goes hand-in-hand with Patel and Dusai's.
Small roles from Tamsin Grieg and David Strathairn do seem like throwing more famous people into roles, they class up the fun, and while the ending of the film calls out for a third, this film works brilliantly as it's own story, as well as a romcom sequel that is both romantic as it is funny. If this is to be chapter two of three chapters, and The (Third/Final) Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will be hitting cinemas in two or three years, then it'll be a ride I'd happily take again. The gentle pace, and lovely score by Thomas Newman never play India as the den of thieves that Slumdog did, instead paints it as a hot, different haven, where people who want a simpler life will thrive.
While not a perfect film, an interesting and enjoyable romcom comes from this mishmash of ideas. Go for the actors having fun, stay for the romcom of the year.
TITLE: SPIDER-MAN
TAGLINE: Nowhere he can't go, nothing he can't do.
THE PITCH:
After the events of Civil War, Miles Morales the second man to call himself spends his time trying to juggle hero work, education, family time and training with the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker. Coming into conflict with The Prowler, a masked thief with his own vendetta against Spider-Man, Morales must team up with the mysterious female Hawkeye whom he becomes attracted to, and his classmate, Kate Bishop.
DIRECTOR: EDGAR WRIGHT
Wright is perfect to take on the directing duties of Spider-Man. After the failed attempt to work with Marvel on Ant-Man because of his long history with the film, it would be great to see him come in with a fresh perspective, and able to just have fun with the character. He's proved he's able to work from source material in Scott Pilgrim Vs The World and the screenplay for Tintin and the Secret of the Unicorn, and that he can seemlessly blend comedy, action and drama with his Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz & The World's End). His action scenes are always breath taking as is his ability to blend a pop soundtrack into the mix (same as James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy).
CASTING:
MILES MORALES/SPIDER-MAN: DONALD GLOVER
Glover's work on comedy show Community shows that he has the ability to get laughs from a lot of people, which is needed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he's got previous with the Russo Brothers (Captain America's directors and Infinity Wars) and would make for a believable Spider-Man. He's also voiced Miles Morales before which lends him effortlessly to taking on the physical role. Most of all, for the dramatic scenes, Glover is soon to be seen in The Lazarus Project, a horror film, and also The Martian from director Ridley Scott. He'd be cheaper now, pre-working with Scott before his fame increases so he could sign on for multiple films. He works also for a Morales that is mixed slightly with the personality of Parker. This would also set up a possible Young Avengers film.
PETER PARKER/SPIDER-MAN: CHRIS PINE
Adding another Chris to the roster (making it four), Pine would be a perfect older Peter Parker, someone who is approaching an age that he can't continue to run around. Pine is great at playing the smart ass, doing big action, comedy and drama. Using an older Parker would allow for a better connection to this new, almost unheard of comic book character. This could lead to sequels in which Pine becomes front and centre for his own solo outing, or to aid the younger Spider-Man in Infinity Wars. It would also be cool to see Parker married and happy and not pining and worrying.
KATE BISHOP/HAWKEYE: AUBREY PLAZA
Plaza's deadpan humour would work brilliantly against the Marvel Universe's brand of comedy. Blending deadpan comedy and her gift for delivery, she'd make a brilliant Kate Bishop, potential love interest for Morales and a character that could cross over into future Cap films, Agents of SHIELD or Daredevil series. It also enables another person for the Young Avengers roster.
AARON DAVIS/THE PROWLER: MORRIS CHESTNUT
No stranger to comic book films (Kick-Ass 2), Chestnut would make a great street level criminal, and villain of the film. The reveal of his true identity would be a Bucky Barnes style betrayal that would also set up an ally for the second film. A Prowler, Hawkeye, Morales-Spider-Man and Parker-Spider-Man would make for a brilliant set piece against an unstoppable villain.
RIO MORALES: EVA LONGORIA
Longoria might not be the obvious choice for a mother to someone Glover's age, but factor in make up appliances, and of course acting, and it would be perfectly reasonable for her to play the maternal figure. Longoria would be great given the chance to do something other than attractive woman, playing a mother would show her other side, her more mature acting ability.
JEFFERSON DAVIS: DENZEL WASHINGTON
Washington is no stranger to blockbusting action as much as prestige Oscar pictures. Joining the ranks of the biggest actor playing a parental figure (Jeff Bridges, Robert Redford, Anthony Hopkins and so on). His presence would bring brilliant gravitas to the father role, and round off a brilliant cast. In a small, Uncle Ben-esc role, he'd offer an earnest and approachable performance to a larger than life film.
GENKE LEE: STEVEN YEUN
Although Genke is quite clearly a larger character, when has a film adaptation ever struck completely true? Instead, cast Yeun, no stranger to comic book adaptations with The Walking Dead, would add great comic relief as Morales friend. Yeun is both handsome so that people will want to watch him, but earnest and down to earth enough that he is a believable actor, someone you could see actually existing in this world.
CAPTAIN QUAID: WENDELL PIERCE
Pierce, best known for his role in The Wire, has been acting for years and years now. Given the role of police captain Quaid, Pierce would bring fantastic wit, comedy and parental care to the role, approving of Spider-Man while wanting to do his duty. His role could also play a part in the television universe, conversing with Daredevil and attempting to crack down on Kingpin's rule.
WHAT WERE YOUR OPINIONS? DO YOU AGREE, DISAGREE OR THINK SPIDER-MAN IS A WASTE OF TIME WHEN THEY NEED TO MAKE A BLACK PANTHER MOVIE? LEAVE YOUR VIEWS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW, BEST ANSWER WINS THE KAIJU DU CINEMA RUTGER HAUER APPROVAL AWARD.
-KAIJU
DIRECTOR: Matthew Vaughn
STARRING: Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson, Taron Egerton, Sofia Boutella, Sophie Cookson, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill and Michael Caine
PLOT: After getting arrested for stealing his step-dad's car, Eggsy Unwin (Egerton) is recruited by gentleman spy Harry Hart (Firth) to join the ranks of the Kingsman, a secret service attempting to find and thwart the plans of the villainous Richmond Valentine (Jackson)
This sweary, ballsy new action comedy from writer partners Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) is leaps and bounds above their more mainstream fair. Showing, once again, that let of the leash Vaughn and Goldman can create something far beyond just popcorn block busting. Doing for the Roger Moore/Michael Caine era spy movies what Kick-Ass did for the Spider-man mythos, Vaughn and Goldman find themselves on much surer ground.
If X-Men: First Class proves anything, it's that given two renegades who race old bangers, the keys of a Rolls Royce is a bad idea. Obviously, the corporate machine leant on them slightly meaning the weirdness and style they do so well was unable to seep through into a big blockbuster. But given the fifteen rating, and the freedom, they craft a film that will go into the Kick-ass, Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim ranks of brilliance.
In the role of Eggsy, Taron Egerton handles himself well, showing a Jack O'Connell level of street smarts and cockney charm, but also able to deliver the heartthrob abs and action when it's needed. His performance is more than a half baked, Cook from Skins knock-off but a full rounded character with depth, love and compassion. Scenes showing his broiling anger over the blatant abuse of his mother, by the hands of his step-father is powerful acting, while his smug street smarts add a Roger Moore-esc charm. It might also be a factor that along with Egerton are two brilliant supporting female roles from relative newcomers. As Roxy, Sophie Cookson makes a star of herself, demanding she be seen and counted and every scene with her is a gem. As Gazelle, Sofia Boutella is also fantastic, assuming the role of Oddjob style henchman with metal legs, she brings a much needed danger to the film.
As for the more established actors in the film, Hamill has fun in a small role showing he is more than just Luke Skywalker and The Joker. While Michael Caine enjoys a turn playing up his Harry Palmer status, it's a welcome addition that lets us know the film loves the spy genre, even while it lampoons it. Mark Strong is brilliant as Merlin, the Q of the film, with his scottish accent, bringing a wry wit that belongs so firmly in the spy films. But for screen big wigs, Firth and Jackson this is all in a days work. Firth plays up the stiff-upper-lip brit role he's played for so long as a man who takes a pint just as well he does fisty-cuffs. His one man army assault on a church makes for brilliant action. While Jackson has a ball as over the top villain, Richmond Valentine. All lisp and snap backs, Jackson plays down the angry man role he is known for, opting for a more subdued, and more comedic role. It's a breath of fresh air to see Jackson do something a little different from Nick Fury.
The film is clearly the start of a franchise, and if so, I cannot wait to see the next one. It's a rollercoaster ride that I would happily take a second time. If the action is a little too graphic for some, then the heart of the film may win them over, but the film exists entirely in the world of hyper real comic book violence. This film is a brilliant introduction of the Eggsy and Roxy character, and hopefully the next films will see them progress.
If there is a criticism, and there is, then it would be the annoying treatment of women. While Gazelle and Roxy are brilliant female characters, a joke at the end regarding a princess, is vastly offensive, and of course there are too few women in the film.
Still, the film is a violent, sweary celebration of a very British film tradition, and a winning combination of action and comedy. If this is what Vaughn does when he's not in the stranglehold of a proper franchise, well I cannot wait for part two. I just hope he does actually direct the next one, to save us from another Kick-Ass 2.
_003.jpg)
_007.jpg)
.jpg)
